Scottish Churches Organist Training Scheme (SCOTS)

SCOTS has been set up to find and encourage emerging organists as well as to assist those already in posts who wish to develop their skills. The Scheme was established in 1997 by three partners: the Scottish Federation of Organists, the Royal School of Church Music in Scotland, and the Scottish Churches.

The focus is not so much on achieving technical brilliance as on the gifts, skills and understanding to contribute to a more satisfying experience of worship for the whole congregation.  SCOTS is a flexible scheme in which participants 'pace' themselves through three Stages (with a certificate at each), with an Adviser who will help them assess what progress is being made and what matters need more concentrated attention.  The Adviser also shares his/her experience of the role of church musician.  On the technical side, a participant may also have a regular teacher (frequent or intermittent) who is different from the Adviser.  There is no fixed time limit in which any one stage should be completed.  Normally, it would be expected that a participant would attend one of the training days offered each year.

More details www.scotsorgan.org.uk/page12.html. Further information from membership secretary, Fiona Goodison: tusher@btinternet.com or Douglas Galbraith: dgalbraith@hotmail.com.

An Application Form and issue of Scots Wha Play are available for download below.